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The self-concept and interpersonal functioning of South African girls in child care : a suggested model

Goosen, Elzaan (2004-12)

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.

Thesis

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study aimed to create an elaborate model that can shed light on the intra- and
interpersonal functioning of middle childhood and early adolescent South African girls in
child care. Data used included: 1) measures of self-concept that was measured by The
Beck Youth Inventories: Self-concept inventory for Youths (Beck, Beck & Jolly, 2001), 2) a
qualitative indication of perceived attachment towards a mother figure and 3) biographical
data provided by the social workers associated with the children's homes that participated
in the study. Participants included 70 girls between the ages of 9 and 14, of which 35
were assigned to the Children's Home Group. The Control Group comprised of the rest of
the participants. Regression analysis, correlation measurement and the calculation of the
significance of the differences between groups were used to test hypotheses. Results
indicated that perceived attachment to a mother figure is a significant mediator of selfconcept,
but that factors related to age seemed to have the most significant mediating
effect during the developmental stages of middle childhood and early adolescence. The
results were used to combine and elaborate on existing theories of intra- and interpersonal
functioning in order to suggest a model that attempts to explain the functioning of South
African girls in child-care in more depth. Implications for these findings are discussed.